Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » BASIL CANTEEN – San Francisco
BASIL CANTEEN - San Francisco
Photo from BASIL CANTEEN
BASIL CANTEEN at a glance
San Francisco West SoMa
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 33 of the guests
#1384 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#26 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
265
Reviews
72.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Thai
- Pleasant ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Loud space
The restaurant BASIL CANTEEN is a vibrant Thai Restaurant in San Francisco’s West SoMa, where you can discover an exceptional dining experience. You’ll appreciate their great tea selection, a standout feature that complements their authentic flavors.
This spot offers a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for a delightful meal.
Overview: Introducting BASIL CANTEEN
BASIL CANTEEN generally offers a pleasant dining experience, often praised for its delicious and authentic Thai cuisine. Many appreciate the beautiful interior design, which contributes to a soothing atmosphere, making it suitable for various occasions.
However, some experiences point to occasional inconsistencies. While speedy service is frequently noted, there are instances where guests encountered less attentive staff or a loud environment.
Despite these minor points, the culinary offerings remain a consistent draw for many patrons.
Good
7.3
out of 10
265
Reviews
72.5%
Satisfaction
49
negative
24
neutral
192
positive
BASIL CANTEEN earns a solid overall score of 7.3, reflecting a generally positive reception. Customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 72.5%, indicating that most diners leave content.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial body of feedback, with 192 positive comments outweighing 49 negative ones out of 265 total observations. The culinary experience, or Food, leads the way with a strong (7.5), often described as authentic and consistently good.
The Ambience also scores well (7.7), with its hip vibe and thoughtful interior design. Service is rated (7), generally efficient but occasionally inconsistent.
However, Value (5.9) is perceived as average, particularly concerning portion sizes and drink prices.
What people like
- Authentic Thai cuisine
- Pleasant dining ambiance
- Efficient service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Loud environment
- Value for money
BASIL CANTEEN generally delivers a satisfying Thai dining experience, particularly if you appreciate well-prepared dishes and a stylish setting. With a strong recommendation score of 7.7, it’s clear many patrons find it a worthwhile visit, especially for its culinary offerings and atmosphere.
If you prioritize authentic flavors and a vibrant ambiance, it’s certainly worth considering. Be mindful that service can occasionally be a mixed bag, and some find the value for money, especially on drinks, to be less compelling.
It’s a good choice for a casual meal or a social gathering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on BASIL CANTEEN
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
Overall, the food here is a definite highlight! With a solid score of 7.5 and a strong 74.8% customer satisfaction, its clear many diners are leaving happy. Out of 155 total opinions, 116 were positive, frequently praising excellent food, flavorful fresh dishes, and delicious creative craft cocktails, with the Pad See Ew often singled out.
However, its not without its minor hiccups, with 27 negative comments. Some found the Pad Thai tasteless or salty, while others encountered overcooked noodles or tough squid. A few even noted oily spring rolls, suggesting some inconsistency in execution across the menu.
Food
155
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
27
negative
12
neutral
116
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent food
- Flavorful fresh food
- Creative cocktails
What people don't like
- Tasteless Pad Thai
- Tough squid
- Oily spring rolls
Often praised
- foodWe were forced to sit at a table and at the bar, separate from each other. The food however, is absolutely delicious. We had some of the lemongrass fried chicken and spring rolls as an appetizer and then had the cashew chicken and a couple of other plates for dinner.
- drinksThey did not rush us at all, and the staff was very professional. The vibes were great, and I thoroughly enjoyed the amazing drinks and great food. I will definitely be coming back!
- Thai fooddelicious, authentic and consistently good Thai food
- appsMy experience at this establishment was beautiful and special. I went for the happy hour beer and apps, which were very fairly priced. I was not disappointed by the service, ambiance, or the quality taste and presentation of food at all.
- coconut ice creamice cream was a great combination, with some excellent and pronounced coconut flavor
- garlic green beansThe happy hour was also awesome! I particularly enjoyed the Sri-ra-cha, garlic green beans, corn fritters, gai gra proactive, and pad see ew. The recommended dish was Pad Thai.
- Gaeng Ped Bpet YangHighly recommend the Gaeng Ped Bpet Yang
- Larb GaiRecommend the Larb Gai
- Pad Ke MaoPad Ke Mao (wide rice noodles w/ green beans & skirtsteak)
- Pad Kee Maothe Pad Kee Mao was delicious
Frequently criticized
- drinksthe drinks were kinda mid and weak
- foodIt felt like I was chewing on rubber and plastic. The food score was a 2, while service and atmosphere received a 3.
- Pad ThaiThe Pad Thai was tasteless
- qualitythe service and the quality have declined
- Pa Kee Maoworst Pa Kee Mao I have ever had
- RotiRoti, were dripping with oil that it was just inedible
- Thai boat noodlesfound them to be very salty
- Thai iced teasthe Thai iced teas were tasteless too
- Thai oilnor they used Thai oil
- Thai spicesHardly any Thai spices
If you're looking for a generally good food experience with plenty of flavorful options and creative drinks, this place is worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes, like the Pad Thai or squid, might occasionally miss the mark.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7. Many guests rave about the quick and efficient service, with 37 positive remarks highlighting the friendly and attentive staff. Whether its the waiter or the overall service, patrons often feel well-cared for, even noting professional and helpful interactions.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a 67.3%, indicating a mixed bag. There are 13 negative comments mentioning frustrating wait times and instances of rude service or feeling ignored. Some experiences describe sloppy service' and issues with forgotten orders, suggesting inconsistency, especially for larger groups.
Service
55
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
13
negative
5
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude service
- Ignored customers
Often praised
- serviceI enjoyed the fantastic Thai cuisine, especially the excellent pad thai and other Thai staples. The speedy service was a great plus, and the beautiful interior design added to the overall pleasant experience.
- staffthe staff is efficient friendly and kind
- ownerThe owner was very helpful
- waiterThe waiter and service and food was really great
- ServiceService and food are courteous and efficient
- attentive serviceAttentive service.
- decent serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by good food and decent service. While the portions were on the smaller side, I felt this was a positive aspect.
- deliveryit came within the right time frame
- dishesvery knowledgeable about the dishes
- ordering directlyWe’ve also ordered to go many times and have always been satisfied. I recommend ordering directly from the restaurant’s website if possible, rather than through a third-party app.
Frequently criticized
- serviceTerrible service. The waitress forgot to put in our order
- ignoredI was ignored for most of my experience.
- large group dinnerA great place to go with friends or on a date or in a small group. I attended as part of a large group dinner and set aside a table for eight people but once we got there they were unable to accommodate us, so it took away from the experience. We were forced to sit at a table and at the bar, separate from each other.
- rude servicemarked by rude service
- rude wayin a rude way they said it will take like 30 minutes more
- servershe didn't pay to much attention to my comment
- sloppy serviceThe evening countinued with sloppy service from giving us the wrong food
- waitWe wait 30 minutes after we order
- wait timeWaited over half an hour for my food
- water refillrefilled water for a friend who had finished her food, left without refilling anyone else's water
Overall, the service here seems to be a bit of a gamble. Youre likely to experience friendly and efficient staff, making it a good choice for a smooth meal. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies like longer waits or less attentive moments, especially if youre with a larger party.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
The restaurants ambience generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.5%. With 31 positive remarks out of 40 total, guests frequently praise the "beautiful space, " "nice atmosphere, " and "hip vibe. " Many appreciate the "lighting, " "music, " and "seating, " making it a great spot for conversations or a business lunch.
However, its not entirely without its quirks, as 2 negative comments point out. Some found the space to be very loud, which could hinder conversation. A few also mentioned that the tables were too small, making dining a bit challenging.
Ambience
40
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
2
negative
7
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful space
- Great atmosphere
- Good lighting, music
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Small tables
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere is really soothing
- placefinding great places close to where I live
- ambianceThe ambiance, lighting, and overall experience is very nice. A great place to go with friends or on a date or in a small group.
- vibeThe overall vibe of the place is pretty hip and trendy
- brick wallsMy experience at the restaurant involved enjoying great food, complemented by lovely, albeit a bit tentative, service. The space itself was very loud, and the ambiance wasn't as cozy as it could have been, despite the beautiful exposed brick walls.
- business lunchwell set up for a business lunch
- conversationhad a great conversation
- conversationslaughter good conversations
- floorThe floor didn't stick to your shoes
- interior designI enjoyed the fantastic Thai cuisine, especially the excellent pad thai and other Thai staples. The speedy service was a great plus, and the beautiful interior design added to the overall pleasant experience.
Frequently criticized
- spaceThe space is very loud
- tablesTables too small, this made serving dishes and eating plates difficult
If you're looking for a spot with a generally appealing and lively atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that it can get a bit noisy, and table space might be snug, especially during busy times.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
It seems many diners hit the jackpot during happy hour, with glowing remarks about happy hour deals, $8 drinks, and $6 apps making the prices feel incredibly fair. With 8 positive comments out of 15 total, theres definitely a buzz around finding great value, which helps contribute to a mixed customer satisfaction of 53.3% and an average score of 5.9. However, the price can be a sticking point for some, with complaints about drinks being too small and food being overpriced for the portions.
These 7 negative comments out of 15 total show that while some find value, others feel its not worth it outside of those special deals.
Value
15
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour deals
- Fairly priced apps
- Reasonable drinks
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Small drinks
- High regular prices
Often praised
- happy hourHappy hour (5-7pm daily) with $5 "Thai-pas", beer, and wine (pretty reasonable wine offerings) is fun and v reasonable.
- priceMy experience at this establishment was beautiful and special. I went for the happy hour beer and apps, which were very fairly priced. I was not disappointed by the service, ambiance, or the quality taste and presentation of food at all.
- $6 appsMy experience at the restaurant was a positive one, particularly during happy hour. The $8 drinks and $6 apps offered great value. The drinks were tasty and the food hit the spot.
- $8 drinksMy experience at the restaurant was a positive one, particularly during happy hour. The $8 drinks and $6 apps offered great value. The drinks were tasty and the food hit the spot.
- happy hour dealsGreat happy hour deals
- pricestheir prices are too good to be true
Frequently criticized
- pricevery pricey for the portions given
- drinksDrinks too small for the price
- pricesprices were high
- worthNot worth it at all
If youre looking for a steal, definitely swing by during happy hour for those fantastic deals. Otherwise, be prepared that some regular menu items and drinks might feel a bit overpriced' for what you get, making it a mixed bag overall.
How are the prices at BASIL CANTEEN?
You’re looking at roughly 35 per person – reported by 33 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Thai Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 35, prices are quite spread out. Many guests spend less, in the $21–$30 range, but a good number also go for a more premium experience, spending $41–$50 or more.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 33 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Thai Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair for the experience. It offers options for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about BASIL CANTEEN
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Tasty Thai Eats at Basil Canteen
I visited Basil Canteen a couple of weeks ago for Happy Hour and tried some new Thai dishes. I started with the Thaiphoon cocktail, which was made with mekhong Thai rum, coconut milk, and Thai tea. While it was a fun drink, it wasn't particularly memorable.
However, the sakhoo sal mu were delicious! These are steamed tapioca dumplings filled with pork and peanuts, and I would definitely eat them again. For my main course, I had the yum woon sen, a glass noodle salad with minced chicken and shrimp.
It was served in a sweet-spicy lime dressing with peanuts and fresh herbs, and I found it to be fresh and tasty.
- Thaiphoon cocktail5
- sakhoo sal mu9
- yum woon sen8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Long Wait, Rude Service
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the service. While I understand that a busy restaurant can lead to waits, it's important to communicate this to customers. We waited 30 minutes after ordering, and when we inquired about our food, we were met with a rude response stating it would take another 30 minutes.
This kind of service is unacceptable, so NO THANKS!
- clients6
- wait2
- rude way1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Tough Squid and Internal Shells
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing, primarily due to the food. I'm usually not one to leave bad reviews, but my squid was incredibly tough and contained numerous internal shell bits. It felt like I was chewing on rubber and plastic.
The food score was a 2, while service and atmosphere received a 3.
- service3
- atmosphere3
- squid2
- food2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Local Find with Excellent Service
I stopped by this restaurant on my way home and was pleasantly surprised to find such a great place so close to where I live. The owner was incredibly helpful in guiding my order, especially regarding spice levels. I had to come back, and the food was still great.
I also had a great conversation with the owner, who is clearly a passionate individual living his dream. I will definitely be going back and highly recommend trying this place if you haven't yet.
- owner10
- food9
- conversation9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
6
Nice Ambiance, Average Food, High Prices
My experience at this restaurant offered a nice atmosphere, but the food was just middle of the road. The prices were also quite high, with basic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Pad Kee Mao, Tom Yum soup, and Pad Krapow costing around $15-$20.
- atmosphere8
- food5
- Thai dish5
- prices3
What BASIL CANTEEN offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at BASIL CANTEEN in West SoMa?
You’ll find a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer table service and seating, with options for healthy and vegetarian dishes, alongside delicious small plates. Don’t forget to explore their great tea selection.
What are the service and payment options available at BASIL CANTEEN?
Whether you prefer to dine-in, grab takeout, or have your meal delivered, BASIL CANTEEN has you covered. You can easily pay with credit cards, debit cards, or NFC mobile payments. Plus, they accept reservations, with dinner reservations recommended for your convenience.
What is the overall rating for BASIL CANTEEN?
BASIL CANTEEN holds an overall score of 7.3. Its Food (7.5) and Ambience (7.7) are well-regarded, while Service scores (7) and Value (5.9) are more moderate.
What are the highlights of the food at BASIL CANTEEN?
Customers frequently praise the authentic and delicious Thai food, with specific mentions of dishes like Pad Kee Mao and garlic green beans.
How is the atmosphere and service at BASIL CANTEEN?
The restaurant offers a pleasant, hip ambiance with beautiful interior design. Service is often described as efficient and friendly, though some experiences note occasional inconsistencies or a loud environment.